large loop excision of the *transformation zone: a procedure for treating premalignant conditions of the cervix, including carcinoma in situ (CIN 3; see cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), that is performed under colposcopic control (see colposcopy) after application of local anaesthetic to the cervix. The transformation zone is removed using a thin loop of wire heated by electric current (see diathermy).
(cervical carcinoma) cancer of the neck (cervix) of the uterus. The tumour may develop from the surface epithelium of the cervix (squamous carcinoma) or from the epithelial lining of the cervical canal (adenocarcinoma). In both cases the tumour is invasive, spreading to involve surrounding tissue and subsequently to neighbouring lymph nodes and adjacent organs, such as the bladder and rectum. Cancer of the cervix can be detected in an early stage of development (see cervical screening) and diagnosis is established by biopsy (see colposcopy). In carcinoma in situ (see cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) the tumour is confined to the epithelium: there is no invasion of surrounding tissue but, if untreated (by local ablation, *LLETZ, or surgical excision), it can become invasive. Common early features of invasive disease are abnormal vaginal bleeding and a foul-smelling blood-stained vaginal discharge. Treatment is by surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy. See also human papillomavirus.... cervical cancer
(CIN) cellular changes in the cervix of the uterus preceding the invasive stages of *cervical cancer. The CIN grading system distinguishes three stages: CIN 1 (mild dysplasia); CIN 2 (moderate dysplasia); and CIN 3 (severe dysplasia, *carcinoma in situ). CIN is uncommon after the menopause. Treatment may be by local ablation (e.g. cold coagulation (applying a heated probe to the *transformation zone), cryocautery, electrodiathermy, or carbon dioxide *laser vaporization) or by surgical excision (e.g. *LLETZ, *cone biopsy, or hysterectomy).... cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
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